Youth Outreach

From Peace Corps Wiki

Volunteers work with at-risk youth ages 10 to 25, helping communities develop programs to assist young people. Projects include vocational training, work with street kids, programs for mentally or physically challenged individuals, self-esteem and leadership development activities, income generation, health education, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, life skills development, community organizing, organizational development, training of youth development workers, and stay-in-school programs.

If you can offer a more detailed description than this standard description the Peace Corps offers, please feel free to include that so others can get a better idea of what certain work areas consist of.

Applicants must have at least six months of full-time work experience with at-risk youth in areas such as designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating programs; coordinating volunteers; writing grants; teaching; and counseling. Previous work experience in an urban environment is not required, but is highly desirable.

Alternatively, applicants may have experience in physical education coupled with three months of experience working with at-risk youth.

Other relevant experience includes a sincere desire to work with youth; conflict resolution or mediation skills; HIV/AIDS counseling or awareness training; and experience in fundraising, coaching, working with physically or mentally disabled youth, in arts and music, and with AmeriCorps or the YMCA.

In communities that face very basic struggles, the specific needs of children and young adults often go unaddressed. Peace Corps Volunteers work with local youths to improve their education opportunities, make them aware of health and cultural issues they will face, and engage them in activities that will help them grow. Contributions to this fund will help Volunteer and community projects such as camps, recreation centers, and after school clubs and sports.